Predator proof run with trees inside?

[sydcal]

I'm trying to build a run to let the chickens do some pest control around a garden and fruit trees. I live in a pretty rural area so they will be put in the coop when I leave for the day around 6, but I'd like them to have free range of the run and still be safe during the day. For around the garden and perimeter I'm going to do buried hardware cloth about 3ft high and then a cheaper fencing the rest of the way up.

However, my struggle is with covering the top. There's a lot of hawks in the area so I want it to be covered, but there are fruit trees that still have a lot of growing to do. So I'm wondering if I can leave the tree area uncovered and the trees will provide enough cover or if there's a good way to cover it but not the trees if that makes sense. I'm already planning on getting a rooster to keep the girls safe, but I also think I have to be responsible and keep them as covered as possible.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Trees are great places for predatory birds to sit and wait on a passing meal.
They are built to maneuver through them at lightening speed.

Maybe bird netting will help.

Don't count on a rooster to protect the hens. He wants to live too so is more likely to hit the trail instead of stand and fight.

A lead hen is just VA's likely to give an alarm call as a rooster.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I have a weeping willow overhanging my run. I felt it provided good enough coverage that I didn't need to cover my run. A hawk proved me wrong.

Bird netting is a good option, but I don't know how much area you need to cover or if snow load is a concern.

 

[lazy gardener]

I can only use bird netting during non snow season. Hawks are a daily menace here. Unless you can cover the fruit trees in your run, you are best to build your run elsewhere.

 

[Teila]

Hey sydcal

I welcomed you on your intro thread and then happened upon this one also.

I wonder if you have considered a chunnel? That way the chickens could still mooch around and under the trees but remain safe from the Hawks and you could close off access to the chunnel and just have them in a covered run when you are not there.

For example [not my picture]:

 

[lazy gardener]

Excellent, Teila. An other option would be a tractor that could go between and under the trees.

 

[Teila]

Excellent, Teila. An other option would be a tractor that could go between and under the trees.

I have been considering one for my gals. Before we moved, they were able to free range in the garden all day but because we are now in a high Hawk threat area with heaps visible for most of the day, the girls are now confined to their run and I feel bad.

It is definitely on my to-do list

 

[lazy gardener]

The big issue I see with that chunnel (if it is not attached to a coop or larger run) is that a predator could swoop in by land or air and harass the chooks to the point of death, even if the pred could not physically touch them.

 

[Teila]

The big issue I see with that chunnel (if it is not attached to a coop or larger run) is that a predator could swoop in by land or air and harass the chooks to the point of death, even if the pred could not physically touch them.

Yeah, I was wondering if it was attached to the shed behind the vegies but I am not sure. As I mentioned, it is not my picture and just an example.

I would definitely have a smaller gauge wire and have it attached to a larger, covered run.

Also, if that one is not attached to anything, you would have to put the chickens in it and remove them; not sure how you would do that, unless it had 'doors' in the top and even then, those smart chickens would hang around where you could not reach them

If it was connected to the run, you could coax them back in with food/treats or wait until they had all returned to the coop at dusk before closing it off.

I definitely would not be letting them in to it during the day if you specifically needed to get them back in the run during the day; that would be fun

 

[lazy gardener]

I have "trained" chickens to tractors before. Really a simple procedure b/c they are so food motivated. I simply fed them in the tractor in the morning, and then opened the tractor at the end of the day to let them return to the coop to roost. One summer, I trained a Broody hen and her 6 babies to a tractor. I'd herd the babies into a cat carrier, then tote them to the tractor. Mama would run along beside me b/c she knew the routine. The cat carrier and babies went in the tractor, Mama went in with them. I then fed and watered them. At the end of the day, I'd open the tractor, and Mama and babies would all toddle back to the coop. Mama and babies used the cat carrier as their "nest" so the babies felt safe in it when I herded them into it.